Bug Identifier
Scarab Beetle Larva (White Grub)
Community identification

Scarab Beetle Larva (White Grub)

Scarabaeidae family larva (e.g., Dynastes tityus or Phyllophaga sp.)

Order & Family
Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae
Size
20 to 50 mm (0.8 to 2 inches) in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Underground in nutrient-rich soil, rotting wood, leaf litter, lawns, and compost piles.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on plant roots, decaying organic matter, rotting wood, and humus.

Behavior Patterns

Spends most of its life stage subterranean, curling into a distinctive C-shape when exposed or threatened. Undergoes complete metamorphosis, pupating in the soil before emerging as an adult beetle.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: In high densities, grubs can damage lawns, crops, and ornamental plants by feeding on roots. Benefits: Essential decomposers that help break down organic matter and enrich the soil; serves as an important food source for birds, mammals, and other wildlife.